Monica Brady of Mommy Brain Reports An Interview

Monica Brady is one busy woman. She has 3 blogs, is the mother of twins, a Walmart 11 Mom and is involved with EA Sports Active. She truly believes in paying it forward and is the one to step up the plate when someone needs help. She not only helps bloggers who need advice, but bloggers who have health problems and other personal issues. For these people, she raises money and collects cards. Oh and she’s a proud geek too!

Tell me about your Blog –
I’m the owner and author of Mommy Brain Reports, a product review and giveaway site. I started Mommy Brain Reports after we had a tough time finding consumer information and reviews on products for twins. I started reviewing things specifically for children, and have since been invited to review some very awesome items, from fitness programs and technology gadgets to household products and electronics!

I also have my personal blog, Mommy Brain Life, where I get to talk about life as a mom of twins, a wife, and a woman. I pretty much let my hair down and say things however I want in this blog.

What was your first blog?
My very first blog has taken on many transformations. My husband and I lived in Japan for several years, and we had a website before blogging software was really popular. I actually wrote everything in HTML. That domain is now kept only for minor family  updates, and because all of our friends still use that email address. The posts, and current updates are now on my personal blog Mommy Brain Life. I’ll warn you though. If you check out my personal site, I write whatever is on my mind. It could be about an awesome time out we had with the kids, or it could be me complaining about something I saw, heard, experienced, etc.

What is the biggest tip you would give to product reviewers?
Just be honest. Don’t write what you think the company would like to see, write what you really think about the product you’re reviewing. Remember, people are coming to you to get more information before they make a decision on a purchase. Don’t lose their trust.

Are you contacted by advertisers or do you contact them or both?
I’ve contacted some companies, but the ones I have on my site right now actually came to me, which was an excellent surprise.

What is your favorite product that you have reviewed?
It’s really a toss-up. If I could go by categories, it’d be easier! I love my Keurig Coffee Maker, my Dyson DC-25 Animal and LOVE the EA SPORTS Active programs that I’ve used. I’ve kept awake while cleaning house, and lost 3 sizes after all of my exercising!

What do advertisers do that you wish they wouldn’t/ do that you like?
I really do not like the blanketed email pitches. I’ve received emails that are addressed “Dear Blogger” or “Dear _____” literally!
I love the advertisers that really take a look at my site, and try to get to know me a little better before they send me a pitch for something that there is no way I’d be able to review personally. The personalized emails really make me feel like you really want to work with me, not that you just grabbed my information from some directory somewhere.

What do bloggers do that you wish they wouldn’t/do that you like?
I think that a lot of bloggers find this to be competition. I guess that’s all well and good, but if you really want to get your name out, help others.

What advertiser would you like to work with given a chance?
I dream of working with Apple and Disney. I am such a technology geek and would LOVE to work with Apple. Disney.. well, I’m a mom and my girls LOVE Disney, especially the princesses, and we’d have so much fun reviewing Disney products!

Where do you see growth in the blogging field?
Blogging is an ever changing field. People are still in the discovery stage, and many are just learning how to blog. What’s great is that the veterans are always learning new things, and many are generous enough to help out those that are just starting out.

What is one thing about you that not many people know?
I’m a geek. I love technology. I love Apple. I used to use Windows like crazy, but since moved on to Apple. I love gadgets, and I love seeing all the cool electronics out there. Someday, I dream of going to CES. I think that would be an excellent 2nd honeymoon.. Yes my hubby is a geek too.

What’s your favorite book?
I love Dan Brown’s books. I read his whole DaVinci Code series in a week, and then waited on pins and needles for the release of his last book. I finished that in 3 days.

What is on your iPod?
Metallica, 3 Doors Down, Maroon 5, and a hometown group called Nolan and the Last Action Heroes.

What are your contact details?
My email is monica@(nospam)mommybrainreports.com
My reviews site is http://www.mommybrainreports.com
My personal site is http://www.mommybrainlife.com
I’m on facebook at http://facebook.com/mommybrain
LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/mommybrain
Twitter at http://twitter.com/mommybrain

What events do you attend?
I love the blog conferences. I’ve attended SXSW, BlogHer and Blog  World Expo so far. I’ve done some work with EA SPORTS Active in Santa Barbara, CA, New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA. I’m also working with Hanes in Walt Disney World!

How do you prefer to communicate?
Email or telephone is perfectly fine. Email tends to be easier since I can check it from anywhere.

Who would you recommend, and why?
Claire Evans : http://themomclaire.blogspot.com/
Sandy Jennings: http://www.organizewithsandy.com/
Melissa Garcia: http://consumerqueen.com
Kim Janocko: http://craftymamaof4.com
Beth Davis: http://theplussizemommy.com/
Stefanie Creelman: http://momsmostwanted.net/
Julie Maloney: http://momspective.com

What is one thing people can do for you?
If you’re a blogger, ask questions! If you’re interested in starting up a blog, let me know! Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
If you’re a business, contact me! I love to try out products of all sorts. I will tell you if your product is a fit for my family or not!